Long Beach Man Arrested for Alleged Support of ISIS

A 28-year-old man from Long Beach has been arrested by the FBI following accusations of sending money to the foreign terrorist organization ISIS. According to the US Lawyer’s Office for the Central District of California, federal charges were filed against the individual on Friday.

This suspect, identified as Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, a legal permanent resident originally from the Philippines, is accused of attempting to provide material support to terrorist organizations. Bill Essayri, the US attorney, labeled Villanueva’s actions as a significant threat to national security.

Essayri stated, “Supporting terrorist groups, whether at home or abroad, poses a serious risk to our safety. We are determined to track down and prosecute individuals who back those that threaten us.”

FBI documents reveal that Villanueva communicated via social media with two individuals claiming to be ISIS fighters. In these exchanges, he reportedly expressed a wish to support ISIS and allegedly sent funds for their operations.

Villanueva is quoted as saying, “It’s an honor to fight and die for our faith. It’s a great way to go to heaven. I’ll be joining soon one day.”

In one particular conversation, he inquired if his financial support would be sufficient for “equipment and weapons.” He also discussed using a middleman for the money transfers.

Records indicate that over five months, he sent a total of $1,615 through Western Union to individuals overseas. Additionally, in another discussion, he mentioned owning a bomb and a knife. During his arrest, the FBI reportedly found what appeared to be a bomb in his bedroom.

Villanueva is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles on Friday afternoon. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in federal prison.